Ursa Consultants Blog
Why Founders Shouldn't DIY Their Books (Even if You're Good at Excel)
You’re a founder. You’re good at Excel. But that doesn’t mean you should be DIYing your books. From missed tax deductions to cash flow blind spots, the risks are real—and they’re costing you more than you think. In this guide, Ursa breaks down why startup bookkeeping is best left to the pros and how outsourcing can save you time, money, and a whole lot of stress.
The Quiet Chaos of M&A—and How Smart Finance Teams Tame It
Mergers and acquisitions might look sleek in the press release, but behind the scenes? It’s a financial circus. From messy data to compliance nightmares, the chaos is real—and that’s where M&A transaction support services come in. Ursa’s here to show you how to keep your financials on point, your stress low, and your deal airtight.
What Is Zero-Based Budgeting and Why Your Business Should Care
Zero-based budgeting isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a smarter way to run your business. Instead of rehashing last year’s numbers, you start from scratch and fund only what truly matters. In this no-BS guide, we break down how it works, why it works, and how to make it work for you.
Outsourcing Bookkeeping: The Good, the Bad, and the Balanced Books
Bookkeeping isn’t the flashiest part of running a startup, but it’s one of the most crucial. In this guide, we break down the real-world pros and cons of outsourced bookkeeping—what it costs, how it works, and when it makes sense to bring in the pros. Spoiler: it’s not just about saving time—it’s about making smarter financial moves.
The Ultimate Checklist: 10 Ways to Cut Business Costs Without Sacrificing Growth
Let’s be real—running a business is expensive. But cutting costs doesn’t mean slashing everything and hoping for the best. This 10-step checklist breaks down how to trim the fat without gutting your growth—because smart startups don’t just survive, they scale.
Step-by-Step Guide to Filing Form 7004 for a Business Tax Extension
Filing for a business tax extension sounds like a headache, but it doesn’t have to be. This guide walks you through the process step by step—no stress, no surprises.
Form 941 Filing Made Easy: A Business Owner’s Complete Guide
The IRS isn’t the type to forgive and forget. Stay ahead of Form 941 deadlines, avoid penalties, and keep payroll taxes in check with this easy-to-follow guide.
5 Small Business Trends for 2025: What’s In, What’s Out, and What Actually Matters
Small businesses that win in 2025 aren’t necessarily the biggest or the flashiest—they’re the ones that adapt, automate, and connect with their audience in a real way.
Tax Day Countdown 2025: Important Business Tax Filing Deadlines & Must-Know Due Dates
This quick guide breaks down all the key 2025 tax due dates, from W-2 filings to estimated tax payments, so you can stay ahead and avoid IRS headaches.
What Every Business Can Learn from the Bench Accounting Shutdown
From slow responses to billing surprises, poor bookkeeping services hold businesses back. Learn how to eliminate these challenges with the right approach.
Different Ways to Use AI for Your Startup’s Finances
AI enhances financial processes by supporting human expertise, not replacing it, enabling faster analysis and smarter decision-making. Success lies in using proven tools strategically and integrating them into existing workflows.
The Disconnect Between HR and Finance – Why It Matters and How to Fix It
When HR and finance are out of sync, bad hires happen, budgets break, and culture suffers. This post shows how to bridge the gap—so comp plans, headcount, and strategy actually work together instead of pulling in opposite directions.
Direct vs. Indirect Cash Flow – Which Is the Best?
Want to see where your cash is really going? Understanding direct vs. indirect cash flow is key. This post compares both methods and shows founders which one gives them better clarity—and better decisions.
Cash vs. Accrual Accounting for Taxes – Which One Should You Choose?
Bookkeeping and tax rules don’t always match up. This post explains how your accounting method impacts your tax filing, cash flow, and year-end strategy—so you’re not stuck with a surprise tax bill (or an angry IRS letter).
Cash vs. Accrual Accounting for Bookkeeping – Which One Should You Choose?
Cash is simple. Accrual gives you the full picture. Which one’s right for you? This post walks through the pros, cons, and real-world use cases to help founders pick the best bookkeeping method—without needing a CPA translation guide.
How to Build a Sustainable Business with a People-First Approach
Growth at all costs is out. Sustainability, retention, and culture are in. This post shows how smart founders build people-first companies that don’t just survive—but thrive—by prioritizing trust, clarity, and long-term thinking.
The Most Important KPIs & Metrics to Track By Industry (and How to Calculate Them)
This isn’t a list of vanity metrics. It’s a playbook of the KPIs that really matter—broken down by industry and paired with simple formulas. If you're tired of guessing what to track, this is the cheat sheet you've been waiting for.
Everything You Don’t Have to Think About Because Your Accountant Does
Think your accountant just closes the books? Think again. From keeping you compliant to catching red flags before they explode, this post highlights the unseen (but critical) work accountants do so you can focus on running the business.
The Role of Automation in Modern Accounting
Modern accounting isn’t about crunching numbers—it’s about making moves. This blog breaks down how automation tools streamline everything from bookkeeping to reporting, helping businesses run leaner, faster, and smarter.
How to Optimize the Workplace for Success
A productive workplace isn’t about beanbags or ping pong tables. It’s about clarity, culture, and systems that get out of your team’s way. This post covers the real levers for success—from setting expectations to designing spaces (and policies) that support how people actually work.